Paul Cooper, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Associate Principal

Paul landed his first job in an architecture practice at the tender age of 16. The transformative experience ignited a passion that endures 30 years later. A consummate architect, Paul brings order to the creative process that often defines his assignments. Solution-focused and persistent, he is adept at guiding clients through the design process, reaching decisions, and keeping things moving forward. His ability to steward a shared vision amongst stakeholders while simultaneously and creatively tackling project minutae with meticulous precision has helped shape TEF’s culture.

Paul’s expertise in the design of community and recreational facilities and his record of success with corporate and higher education clients has enhanced TEF’s expanding portfolio. Prior to joining the firm, he led the development of several community and recreation projects with award-winning results on the Almaden Library and Community Center in San Jose and the George Sim Community Center in Sacramento. His understanding of the demographic and economic framework of community facilities has contributed tremendously to our recreation projects for UCSF and San Francisco Recreation and Parks. Paul has also been instrumental to advancing PG&E’s initiative to enhance the communities they serve through the integration of art and design with improvements to four substations.

Paul received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon. He is the current President of the AIA San Francisco and has served on its Board of Directors since 2013. Paul is also a long time member of the California Parks & Recreation Society where he has been a conference speaker.

“Architecture is more than a physical building. It is an expression of human aspiration."